System for monitoring units excited by oscillations

ABSTRACT

A system for monitoring units excited by oscillations, having a computer-controlled central processing unit and a computer-controlled, transportable measuring apparatus. The measuring apparatus is programmed by the central processing unit, by way of a data transmission, with at least some measuring points which can be inspected in a prescribable time period within prescribable time limits from a total number of measuring points assigned to the units. The measuring points are automatically displayed in the measuring apparatus and are processed using the measuring apparatus, in order to execute a measuring task determined by the central processing unit. After ending the route, the measuring apparatus transmits the measured data to the central processing unit by way of a data transmission. The central processing unit has an evaluator and/or display for the measured data. In the central processing unit, for each of the measuring points, at least one standard measuring task and at least one extended measuring task is stored. These are loaded into the measuring apparatus according to the selected route. Only the standard measuring task is carried out at the measuring points and at least one of the extended measuring tasks is automatically displayed and carried out at the relevant measuring point as a function of the occurrence of a registrable event which can be assigned to the unit having the measuring point. The measurement results of the standard and extended measurements carried out are transferred into the central processing unit and evaluated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a system for monitoring units excited byoscillations, having the features stated in the preamble of claim 1.

It is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,620 to monitor units excited byoscillations by means of a so-called route. For the purposes of thepresent description, units excited by oscillations are understood tomean one or more machines, production installations, auxiliary devices,components or other installations of any kind which are to be regardedin a certain association with one another, for example that they allbelong to one and the same plant. The route comprises defined measuringpoints being allocated a measuring task in a specific sequence within aspecific period of time at the units. For this purpose, a portablemeasuring apparatus is provided, having operator-control elements,memories, microprocessors and a display. Measuring tasks relevant foreach ofthe possible measuring points can be stored with associated,suitable measurement settings in this measuring apparatus via ahigher-level computer (central processing unit). Consequently, aspecific measurement, for example frequency analyses of oscillationsetc., can be carried out at each measuring point by means of thisportable measuring apparatus. The measurement results thus obtained arestored in the portable measuring apparatus. Once the route has beenpatrolled, the portable measuring apparatus can be connected again tothe higher-level computer, whereupon an evaluation of all the storedmeasurement results of all the measuring points allocated a measuringtask takes place.

Consequently, it is a principal characteristic of the route that themeasuring tasks are stored in the sequence of later processing in thecentral processing unit and that this sequence is transmitted to themeasuring apparatus, so that the measuring tasks are automaticallydisplayed in the prescribed sequence in the measuring apparatus.

It is known to use as measuring tasks the measuring of individualmeasured variables for an assessment of the state of the unit having themeasurng points. These individual measured variables are not specific tothe respective measuring points, but are regularly recorded according tothe route laid down and, after transferring the measurement results intothe central processing unit, are supplied with regard to a trend in thedevelopment of the measurement results and/or to a threshold-valuecomparison. Since, as is known, an actual identification of the cause ofan error can only take place by means of a signal measurement,preferably with specialists being able to assign specific lines inrecorded frequency spectra to specific causes of error in theevaluation. To carry out these signal measurements, a second patrol ofthe route is required, in order that the signal measurements can becarried out at those measuring points determined with the first patrolof the route at which the evaluation of the individual measuredvariables which have been measured indicates that a threshold value hadbeen exceeded. To be able to carry out this second patrol of the route,a listing of specific measurement settings of the signal measurements bya specialist is required, either at the central processing unit or insitu, at the respective measuring point on the measuring apparatus.

A further known route comprises carrying out complete signalmeasurements at each selected measuring point of the route, without anassessment of the state of this measuring point having taken placebeforehand using an individual measured variable. Since the signalmeasurements for monitoring units excited by oscillations, for example afrequency analysis, are relatively complicated, the measuring apparatusmust have a correspondingly great capacity. In particular, there must besufficient storage space for storing the measuring tasks, the measuringprograms and the measurement results; what is more, a relatively complexsoftware package must be kept for the proper processing of these points.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a system ofthe generic type which does not have these disadvantages.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a system havingthe features stated in claim 1. The fact that in the central processingunit there is stored for each of the measuring points a standardmeasuring task and at least one extended measuring task, which areloaded into the measuring apparatus according to the selected route,only the standard measuring task being carried out at the measuringpoints and at least one of the extended measuring tasks beingautomatically displayed and carried out at the relevant measuring pointas a function of the occurrence of a registrable event which can beassigned to the unit having the measuring point, and the fact that themeasurement results of the standard and extended measurements carriedout are transferred into the central processing unit and evaluatedthere, make it advantageously possible to defme in advance for eachmeasuring point an at least two-stage error profile, with which themeasuring apparatus is activated according to the measuring pointslocated on the route laid down, the error profiles comprising a simpleclassification of the measurement results to prescribed categories, analarm signal being generated if a defined category is exceeded withinthe error profile and the at least one extended measuring task,preferably a signal measuring task, only then being automaticallycarried out for this measuring point.

It is possible to permit operator control which does not require aspecially trained specialist. In particular by virtue of the divisioninto at least two-stage measurement, the first measurement preferablymerely comprising the recording of a simple individual characteristicvalue, handling is very simple. Only when, within this individualcharacteristic value, there is recorded at the measuring point a signalwhich falls into a predefined category which is not to be exceeded isthe alarm signal triggered, so that the operator perceives acousticallyand/or visually that there is possibly an error at this measuring point.This message at the same time initiates an actual analysis of themeasuring point with the measurement at the higher stage, that is to saythe at least one signal measurement stored in the measuring apparatusfor this actual measuring point takes place.

In a preferred development of the invention it is provided that, in themeasurement of the individual characteristic value within the standardmeasurement, at least one threshold value, preferably three thresholdvalues, are stored for each individual characteristic value for theautomatic identification of an error or of a deterioration in state.Consequently, the division of the measured individual characteristicvalues takes place into four categories, which are respectivelyseparated by the threshold values and respectively correspond to anerror profile.

Altogether, the system according to the invention provides simpleoperator control for a measuring apparatus and the processing orevaluation ofthe route in the central processing unit, so that aspecialist only has to be kept on standby, that is to say only need beused in an acute case. As a result, there is a saving in qualifiedexpert personnel, since the latter no longer has to carry out theroutine processing of the predefined route, since experience shows thatthere is no error message at the vast majority of measuring points. Atthe same time, the storage capacity of the measuring apparatus and thestorage capacity of the central processing unit can be kept smaller,since the signal measuring tasks are processed, and correspondingresults have to be stored, only in an acute case. Finally, the route hasto be patrolled only once in order to carry out the standard measurementand, if appropriate, an extended measurement (signal measurement).

Furthermore, in a preferred development of the invention it is providedthat the at least one standard measuring task and/or the at least oneextended measuring task, as specific, typifiable, tailor-made measuringtasks, are assigned to the same or same type of machine parts withmeasuring points. As a result, it is advantageously possible forprocessing the route within a plant within which a plurality ofdifferent units may have the same or the same type of machine parts tospecify for these same or same type of machine parts respectivelyspecific, typifiable, tailor-made measuring tasks, in order to carry outreliably the identification of their state by means of the standardmeasurement and/or carry out reliably the identification of causes oferror by means of the extended measurement, in order to obtainregistrable events reliably. For the same or same type of typicalmachine parts, fixed data, typified forms of representation, assessmentalgorithms and the assignment of standard measuring tasks and/orextended measuring tasks to the measuring points of the machine partscan also be stored in the central processing unit for simple andreliable creation of the routes.

In a preferred development of the invention it is provided that, inaddition to the intended route of a plant or of a plant part, a pool ofall the measuring points known in the central processing unit of themonitored, oscillation-excited units and/or machine parts of the unitsof a plant (factory) is created in the background of the measuringapparatus, so that the route patroller processing the route actuallylaid down can, if required, also process measuring points with ameasuing task, at least as a standard measuring task, which are notpredefined on the route. This makes it possible whenever evidentirregularities, only discovered during the patrol of the route, occur ona specific machine or machine part for an inspection also to be carriedout there.

Furthermore, it is preferred if, instead of the measurement of anindividual characteristic value, the standard measuring task comprisesthe measurement of a signal or of a signal portion. What is more,instead ofthe measurement of a signal characteristic, the extendedmeasuring task may preferably comprise the measurement of an individualcharacteristic value. Consequently, tailor-made routes specific to theexisting measuring points on the units, or on the components of units,are obtained and can be prescribed by the central processing unit.Depending on the unit, or component of units, it can thus be decidedwhether a more optimum processing of the standard measuring task ispossible using an individual characteristic value or using a signal. Itlikewise applies for the extended measuring task that, depending on thespecific unit, or components of the unit, having the measuring point,the extended measuring task can be optimized by prescribing for examplea signal characteristic value or an individual characteristic value asthe extended measuring task.

What is more, in a further preferred development of the invention it isprovided that, if there is no occurrence of a registrable event at afirst of a plurality of measuring points assigned to a unit and/ormachine part of a unit, the at least one standard measuring task isskipped at the further measuring points assigned to this unit and/ormachine part. This makes further simplification of the route possible.The fact that already no registrable event indicating the occurrence ofan error has been established at a first measuring point, which is forexample a main measuring point of a unit and/or of a machine part,allows the conclusion to be drawn that likewise no registrable event isto be expected at the other measuring points, for example secondarymeasuring points, of the same unit and/or same machine part. Thecarrying out, or patrol, of the route is simplified, or shortened, as aresult.

Furthermore, it is preferred if at the first of a plurality ofmeasuringpoints the at least one standard measuring task is automaticallydisplayed and carried out for the other measuring points. This makes itadvantageously possible for the measuring apparatus to be docked onceonly onto the first, main measuring point of a unit and/or machine partof the unit and thereby to carry out all the standard measuring tasksfor the other measuring points of this unit and/or machine part. Only ifa registrable event occurs is it automatically displayed at which of theother measuring points, at most all of them, at least one standardmeasuring task has to be repeated, or at least an extended measuringtask has to be carried out there. Optimizations of the route carried outare thus obtained overall in a simple way.

Further advantageous developments of the invention emerge from the otherfeatures stated in the subclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is explained in more detail below in exemplary embodimentswith reference to the associated drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the system according to the inventionand

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a measurement at a measuring point of theroute.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the system in ablock diagram, to which the inventionrelates. The system comprises a computer-controlled central processingunit 10 and a computer-controlled, transportable measuring apparatus 12.Furthermore, the system comprises units 14 excited by oscillations, ofwhich only one is shown in FIG. 1. A unit is understood to mean anentire machine, which may be subdivided into individual machines, andwhich comprises machine parts to be monitored. The units 14 have atleast one measuring point 16, to which the measuring apparatus 12 can beconnected by means of a tansmission link 18. For this purpose, thetransmission link 18 may have an interface, which can be connected to aninterface of the measuring apparatus 12 by a transmission cable 20.

The system has the following function:

A route is loaded into the measuring apparatus 12 by means of thecentral processing unit 10. The route comprises a specific selectablenumber of actual measuring points 16 of the selected units 14. In theexample, eight measuring points 16 are assumed. These may either bemeasuring points 16 which are all available or else a selection ofmeasuring points 16. For each of the measuring points 16 selected on theroute, the measuring apparatus 12 is loaded with a standard measuringtask and at least one extended measuring task, also referred to in thefollowing as the signal measuring task, as is to be explained in stillmore detail with reference to FIG. 2. Standard measuring tasks arepreferably the determination of individual characteristic values whichserve for identifying the state of a machine part using a simplethreshold value comparison. Signal measuring tasks are preferably signalmeasurements which serve for identifying causes when there aredeteriorations in state. The identification of causes takes place usingfrequency-selective error profiles, that is to say the amplitudes ofspecific frequency components (lines or bands) are in turn treated likeindividual characteristic values, but for a specific type of error orcause of error in each case. To assign specific standard measuring tasksand extended measuring tasks, they are assigned to the measuring points16 on units (machine parts) 14, since the measuring settings mainlydepend on the type of machine part (for example shaft oscillation,severity of machine vibration at the bearing housing, rolling-contactbearing), but also on the type of unit and the rotational speed.Similarly, specific signal measuring tasks are assigned to thesespecific machine parts. For example, the level of a single specificfrequency bond from the overall frequency characteristic of the signalmay be the individual characteristic value of the standard measuringtask which, with registrable events, leads to extended measuring tasks,which may be the same, but complete, frequency characteristic.

A route patroller 22 subsequently patrols, with the measuring apparatus12, the route, prescribed by the central processing unit 10, of themeasuring points 16 to be inspected. When doing so, the measuringapparatus 12 is coupled to the measuring point 16 by the transmissionlink 18 and the standard measuring task prescribed for this measuringpoint 16 is processed. If no registrable event occurs, which is likewiseto be explained in still more detail with reference to FIG. 2, astandard measurement result is assigned in the measuring apparatus tothe measuring point 16 applicable at that particular time and is stored.This ends the measurement at this measuring point 16.

If a registrable event occurs during the standard measurement, this canbe visually and/or acoustically displayed to the route patroller 22 onthe measuring apparatus 12. Then, at least one extended measuring task(signal measuring task) envisaged here can be processed at thismeasuring point 16, since this task is automatically displayed forcarrying out as an extended measuring task on the route, the measurementresults of which are likewise stored in the measuring apparatus 12.

According to the route laid down, all the measuring points 16 of a routeare processed by the route patroller 22. After ending the route, themeasurement results of the standard measurements, and if appropriate ofsignal measurements, stored in the measuring apparatus 12 are suppliedto the central processing unit 10 by means of data transmission. Thecentral processing unit 10 evaluates the standard measurement results asa long-term trend and evaluates the signal measurement results over atime and/or frequency characteristic and produces listings which can beevaluated, for example in the form of printouts or on a screen for anevaluating specialist. On the basis of these evaluations, it can bedecided whether certain parts and/or entire units 14 have to be repairedor exchanged on account of malfunctions which have occurred.

The division into standard measuring tasks and signal measuring tasks,which are only to be carried out if need be, for each measuring point 16of the route to be carried out has the overall effect of automaticallyadapting the number and complexity of the signal measurements accordingto the state of the oscillation-excited units 14 to be monitored on theroute. In the event that no registrable events occur within the standardmeasurements, the effort involved in carrying out, storing andevaluating the signal measurements is drastically reduced. Carrying outthe measurements on the route consequently becomes easier and cleareroverall, without adversely affecting the quality of the monitoring ofthe units excited by oscillations.

FIG. 2 illustrates in a flowchart the carrying out of the measurement ata measuring point 16 of the route. It is clear that the measurementexplained here for one measuring point 16 applies of course to all themeasurng points 16 of the route.

The measuring apparatus 12, loaded with the route, is connected to themeasuring point 16 in a first step 26. Subsequently, in a next step 28,the carrying out of the standard measuring task takes place. Thestandard measuring task comprises the measurement of an individualcharacteristic value. For the automatic assessment of the measurementresults, or for the identification of a deterioration in state, theindividual characteristic value to be measured is assigned for examplethree threshold values, which divide the measurement resultstheoretically to be expected for the individual characteristic valueinto categories, four categories in the case of three threshold values,which are respectively separated by the threshold values. The individualcharacteristic values of one category are combined to form an errorprofile. At least one of the threshold values forms an alarm threshold.According to an actual example, the individual characteristic value tobe measured may assume a value from 0 to 9 of a display. Defined withinthese values 0 to 9 there are threshold values, which may lie forexample at the values 2,4 and 6. Consequently, an assignment is possibleof the individual characteristic value actually measured to a specificvalue, which allows a classification to a specific error profile. Analarm threshold is defined within these values, for example lying at thevalue 6. During the standard measurement 28, the specific measuredvariable which has been measured and is tailor-made for the respectivemeasuring point 16, for example the frequency spectrum, is assigned tothis measured variable for the individual characteristic values, that isto say the significance of the measured standard signal is determined ina next working step 30. If, for example, a classification to the value 4takes place, this classification, in relation to the measuring point 16applicable at that particular time, is stored in the measuring apparatus12 and the route patroller 22 is visually and/or acoustically inrructedon the measuring apparatus 12 to go to the next measuring point 16 ofthe route. Since the assumed significance 4 of the standard measuringsignal which has been measured lies below the significance 6, stated byway of example and representing the alarm threshold, it can be assumedthat in the unit 14 assigned to this measuring point 16 there is nodamage requiring a more detailed inspection.

If the comparison 30 has shown that the significance of the standardmeasuring signal measured lies above the defined alarm threshold (in theexample mentioned the standard measuring signal has for example asignificance of 8), it is indicated to the route patroller 22 via themeasuring apparatus 12 that at least one signal measurement has to becarried out at this measuring point 16 in a next working step 32. Assignal measurements, specific signal measurements tailor-made for therespective measuring point 16 have been input to the measuring apparatus12 via the central processing unit 10 within the route. Possible signalmeasurements are, for example, frequency spectra, timing signals,demodulation spectra or distribution densities. The measurement resultsofthis at least one signal measurement are stored in the measuringapparatus 12 in specific relation to the measuring point 16 applicableat that time. At the same time, depending on how the first signalmeasurement has proceeded, or as specified by the central processingunit 10, a further signal measurement can take place over the storedroute in a further step 34. After completion of the required, at leastone, signal measurement at the measuring point 16, it is visually and/oracoustically indicated to the route patroller 22 on the measuringapparatus 12 that he can go to the next measuring point 16 of the route.

The transition from the standard measurement at step 30 to the at leastone signal measurement 32, 34 is initiated by a registrable event. Thisregistrable event is, as already explained, either initiated by theexceeding of a threshold value within various stages/categories of thestandard measurement or else, according to a further exemplaryembodiment, the registrable event may be initiated by the routepatroller 22 himself. This is possible, for example, whenever thestandard measurement does not exceed the predefined threshold value, butthe route patroller 22 can assume from observations that a closerinspection of a unit 14 is necessary or advisable. Furthermore, theregistrable event may be initiated if a comparison of the value for thestandard measurement measured at a given time shows a considerablepercentage deviation with respect to a value for the standardmeasurement measured in the case of a previous route for the samemeasuring point 16. If, for example, in the case of the previousmeasurement a significance of 1 was registered during the standardmeasurement, while now a significance of 5 is registered, not yetexceeding the assumed threshold value 6 but signifying a considerabledeterioration, this may also be used as a registrable event forinitiating the at least one signal measurement.

If there is a great deviation in the significance of the standardmeasurement results with respect to the standard measurement results ofthe previous route, it may initially be provided, if appropriate, torepeat the standard measurement, without extending straight away to theat least one signal measurement 32, 34. The repetition of the standardmeasuring task consequently represents the extended measuring task, theactual extended measuring task (signal measurement) being automaticallydisplayed and carried out only after renewed occurrence of theregistrable event.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, it is provided that, in thedata transmission from the central processing unit 10 into the measuringapparatus 12, not only the data transmitted for the actual route of themeasuring points 16 are transmitted but also further data, relating toany other measuring points 16 known in the central processing unit.These may be, for example, the measuring points 16 which are missingfrom the total number of measuring points 16 and are specifically not tobe processed on the route. As a result, a pool is created in thebackground in the measuring apparatus 12 and can be used if need be bythe route patroller 22 when carrying out his route. This makes itpossible for the route patroller 22 to carry out measurements at ameasuring point 16 which is not in fact envisaged for the routeapplicable at that particular time but is known in the centralprocessing unit. This is helpful if an inspection appears to benecessary or advisable from observations by the route patroller 22 atthe unit 14 assigned to the measuring point 16. Since the measuringpoints 16 of a route may generally be spread over relatively greatdistances, for example factory buildings etc., an additional measuringpoint 16 can be included in the intended route in a simple way. Themeasuring procedure for a measuring point 16 represented in FIG. 2 isthen in turn performed at the additional measuring point 16. Theassignment of the additional measuring point 16 to the route may takeplace either by means of an identification number which can be input orby means of an automatic measuring location identification.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, it may be provided that theregistrable event is the input of an event code which is stored in themeasuring apparatus and can be selected by the route patroller from alist of prescribed events. As a result, the route patroller can storeobservations by selecting an event code assigned to his observation andusing this code to initiate switching over to the extended measuringtask, that is to say to the at least one signal measurement. What ismore, the registrable event may be the storing of a comment by the routepatroller in the measuring apparatus, with respect to the measuringpoint at that time, so that switching over to the at least one extendedmeasuring task likewise takes place on the basis of an observation whichcannot be assigned to any actual event code previously stored.

Furthermore, it may be provided, as indicated in FIG. 2 by a workingstep 36, that along with the standard measurement of the one standardmeasured variable there is also measured a second standard measuredvariable, for example a rotational speed, which influences the standardmeasured variable originally to be measured. As a result, theclassification to the significances, for example from 0 to 9, of thestandard measured variable which has been measured can be verified,since certain influences, for example a severity of machine vibration,which bring an influence to bear on the standard measured variableactually measured can be assessed in step 36 by means of the additionalstandard measured variable measured. Thus, for example, in spite of theassumed alarm threshold 6 being exceeded by the standard measuredvariable, switching over to signal measurement can be blocked, since itis diagnosed by means of the second standard measured variable 36 alsomeasured that the first standard measured variable brings to bear aninfluence which does not originate from any damage to the unit 14inspected. Consequently, an influencing measured variable records ameasurable influence on the actual individual characteristic valuevarying under the influence. By means of a measured and storedcalibration function, the measured individual characteristic values areconverted to a fixed reference value, for example a severity of machinevibration at 1475 revolutions per minute, in order that they can becompared in the measuring apparatus with simple threshold values.

The functional possibilities for processing the standard measurement andthe at least one signal measurement provide a great overall variety ofevaluation possibilities within the route, altogether producing aconsiderable simplification. The volumes of data to be processed and tobe stored are reduced to the absolute minimum, without adverselyaffecting the quality of the monitoring of the units excited byoscillations. By means of the measurement results of the measurementsassigned to the individual measuring points 16, transmitted from themeasuring apparatus 12 into the central processing unit 10 aftercompletion of the route, a registered or presumed deterioration in thestate of individual units 14, having the measuring points 16, can bepresented for evaluation and made immediately available by evaluationand/or display means, for example a printer, screen etc. This evaluationmay comprise, for example, trend analyses over a long operating time ofthe units 14 on the basis ofthe standard measurement results and/oractual signal analyses over the time and frequency characteristic on thebasis of the signal measurement results. The measures possibly to beinstigated, for example shutdown, repair and/or exchange of individualunits 14, can be planned or instigated immediately.

Furthermore, it may be provided that free measuring tasks with storedthreshold values or setpoint deviations are also carried out outsideroutes and the pool individually by the person carrying out themeasurements on the measuring apparatus, in which tasks the link to anextended measuring task after a registrable event can be used if it hasbeen stored for the standard measuring task. Then, after the route, anassignment to measuring points can be performed subsequently in thecentral processing unit.

In this way the system can be optimized to the extent that themeasurement result of the at least one standard measuring task forms aregistrable event which is linked with at least one further registrableevent, for example one of the possibilities for registrable eventsdescribed above, and, on the basis of Boolean equations, forms a furtherregistrable event for the initiation of a further extended measuringtask.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for monitoring a vibrating machine, saidsystem comprising: a central processing unit having a data storagesubunit and a data evaluation subunit, said storage subunit havingstored therein: a route containing at least one standard measuring taskto be performed in a prescribable time period and order at selectableones of a plurality of prescribable measuring points on said machine;and an extended measuring task to be performed upon the occurrence of aprescribed event at a measuring point on said machine; and atransportable measuring apparatus capable of communicating with saidcentral processing unit, said transportable measuring apparatus havingmeans for: receiving said route including sad standard measuring taskand said extended measuring task for said selected measuring points onsaid machine, for displaying and performing said standard measuring taskat said selected measuring points in accordance with the prescribed timeperiod and order of the route received from the central processing unit,for automatically displaying and performing said extended measuring taskin response to occurrence of the prescribed predctcmmed event duringexecution of said standard measuring task, for storing data obtainedfrom performance of the measuring tasks, and for transmittingmeasurement data obtained during performance of said measuring taskswith said transportable measuring apparatus to said central procesiigunit for evaluation therein by said evaluation subunit.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said standard measuring task includes a predeterminedtime period within which it is to be executed and predetermined timelimits of additional standard measuring tasks for other measuring pointson said vibrating machine.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein saidtransportable measuring apparatus is adapted to communicate measurementsobtained during said at least one of said standard measuring task andsaid extended measuring task.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein saidcentral processing unit includes display means for displaying results ofevaluations performed by said evaluation and measurements obtained bysaid transportable measuring apparatus.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein said standard measuring task includes measuring a predeterminedcharacteristic of said machine.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein saidstandard measuring task includes an error threshold for each of aplurality of error categories of said predetermined characteristic,wherein said transportable measuring apparatus is adapted to combineeach measured characteristic that exceeds said error threshold for saidcorresponding error category.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein saidextended measuring task comprises a repeat of said standard measuringtask, wherein said transportable measuring apparatus comprises a displaythat is capable of displaying said extended measuring task.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said predetermined event comprises aselectable error categorization of said measurements obtained duringsaid standard measuring task.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein saidpredetermined event comprises input received from an operator of saidtransportable measuring apparartus.
 10. The system of claim 9, whereinsaid input comprises an event code which is stored in said transportablemeasuring apparatus, is assigned to the measurements obtained duringsaid standard measuring task and which comprises one of a plurality ofselectable event codes.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein said inputcomprises a comment being stored in said transportable measuringapparatus and which is assigned to the measurements obtained during saidstandard measuring task.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein saidpredetermined event comprises a measurement that exceeds a predetermineddeviation from a measurement obtained during execution of a previousstandard measuring task.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein saidextended measuring task comprises measuring one of a frequencycharacteristic and a time characteristic of a measurement taken duringthe execution of said standard measuring task.
 14. The system of claim1, wherein at least one of said standard measuring task and saidextended measuring task is based upon the type of said machine.
 15. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said transportable measuring apparatus isfurther capable of communicating with said central processing unit forreceiving at least one additional standard measuring task and at leastone additional extended measuring task and wherein said additionalstandard measuring task and said at least one additional extendedmeasuring task forms a pool.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein saidtransportable measuring apparatus is further capable of communicatingwith said central processing unit for receiving at least one additionalstandard measuring task that will attempt to verify a measurementobtained during execution of said original standard measuring task. 17.The system of claim 1, wherein said transportable measuring apparatus isfurther capable of communicating with said central processing unit forreceiving at least one free standard measuring task and at least onecorresponding extended measuring task that are not assigned to ameasuring point and wherein said central processing unit is adapted toassign a measuring point to said at least one free standard measuringtask and at least one corresponding extended measuring task.
 18. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said transportable measuring apparatus iscapable of communicating with said central processing unit for receivinganother extended measuring task, wherein said transportable measuringapparatus is responsive to a second predetermined event during executionof said extended measuring task to prompt execution of said anotherextended measuring task.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein said secondpredetermined event includes a predetermined relationship between ameasurement obtained during said standard measuring task and ameasurement obtained during said extended measuring task.
 20. The systemof claim 1, wherein said standard measuring task is a measurement of alevel of a single frequency band and wherein said extended measuringtask is a measurement of a complete frequency characteristic.
 21. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said route comprises a plurality of standardmeasuring tasks and wherein said transportable measuring apparatus isresponsive to the non-occurrence of said predetermined event to skip atleast one of said plurality of standard measuring tasks in said route.22. The system of claim 1, wherein said standard measuring task includestaking measurements at one of a plurality of measuring points on saidmachine and wherein said extended measuring task includes takingmeauements at another of said plurality of measuring points.